Post by Cross Recoba on May 3, 2022 8:14:03 GMT -5
The shot opens looking from a penthouse across to St James’ Park in London. The camera spins around to show Cross Recoba relaxing on a Chesterfield, admiring the view.
CROSS RECOBA
Quite the place, no? I could tell you what I picked it up for, it’s quite the steal. The issue is that what I consider reasonable and what you might is likely to differ. So, I’ll be brief - someone has to benefit from the sanctions of the Russians in Londongrad.
In the background, Irina’s match from Adrenaline I is playing on a flatscreen.
CROSS RECOBA
I don’t expect you to understand the ability to exploit a situation when it’s presented to you. I also don’t expect you to realize that we’re not too different, I didn’t come from money but I saw the ability to change. I seized every opportunity I could, made the most of every chance that came my way and that’s how I got to where I am.
Muting the commentary, Cross continues.
CROSS RECOBA
I realized that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. My first appearance on the Network? I blindsided Jack Diamond and Bobby Barrett. My first match on a Network show? I made Joe Nobody relevant for enough time to come out with a win worth something. My first time in an XHF Network Match? I came sixth in a Rumble and spent well over two hours proving to people that I’m a threat. What did you do? You beat a man who can’t get on a show since. Ask yourself - if you’d lost that match, would you be sitting on the sidelines? Is it only the fact that you eventually won that keeps you relevant? If, and I’d heavily suggest this is the outcome, you lose when we face off at Adrenaline III - why will people care?
Cross leans forward, the ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the background the only noise to cut between his words.
CROSS RECOBA
You talk about winning the title and having a target on your back because of it but you’re missing the obvious. You’ve had one on you the minute you entered the tournament. I couldn’t be at the last show in person, I sent scouts because I know that every person in the competition could come up against me. You talked about the pressure making or breaking you but no-one followed up on your answer, they soft-balled you. Here’s what I want to know; if you’re already thinking about the pressure then what chance do you have of winning the title? What chance do you have when the bell rings and you realize that whilst size isn’t always the determining factor, you’re facing off against someone who thrives on the pressure, who seeks it out.
A quick smirk to the camera from the XHF Box Office precedes his next words.
CROSS RECOBA
I’m not here for the experience, I could quite happily run Tap Out and watch as the coffers fill with ticket sales, merchandise figures and advertising revenue. I could do that and, if I’m not mistaken, the market’s telling me I do extremely well out of it. I came to Infinite Pro because I knew my worth. I knew that when I sat down with Jason Long and his associates that I had name value and a track record that told them that I don’t have average matches. I don’t have write-ups that include phrases like ‘should have put them away earlier’, ‘missed an opportunity’ or ‘will learn from the experience’. I’ve cultivated an in-ring style where none of the moves I use are ever used because of desperation. That Bastard Driver against Reckless Jack? I’ve been waiting for months to use it in action.
A quick look in the reflection of the window tells Cross to pause the match. Leo Reza has just taken to the top turnbuckle, completely unaware of the gift he is about to give Irina.
CROSS RECOBA
I know that your Discus Elbow can turn off lights in the ring, that your offense is all about putting all of that concentrated power into each strike, slam, and suplex but you don’t train with someone like Chris Card and not pick up a few tricks to avoid, evade, and reverse the worst your opponent can bring. I know that you really want this and that you’re going to bring your best but all those statements? Empty platitudes. I intend to break you down and force you into a situation you didn’t want because I know that you haven’t thought about what happens when you fail. What happens when you realize that the wear and tear of the match has made it so your ability to lift deserts you when you most need it? What happens when you notice that your strikes aren’t landing how they should? At what moment do the sirens inside your head start to blare as you find yourself stripped of the tools to do the job?
Cross unpauses the action.
CROSS RECOBA
I’ve torn down giants and put away people who break necks. I’ve come out of the other side of wars with people who’ve held the X*Crown title and had my hand raised. For me, this match is what stands between myself and my shot at the IPW Openweight title and I’m ready and chomping at the bit for that bell to ring. That exclamation point you just left with the Curb Stomp? I’ll use one to put an end to your title aspirations!
CROSS RECOBA
Quite the place, no? I could tell you what I picked it up for, it’s quite the steal. The issue is that what I consider reasonable and what you might is likely to differ. So, I’ll be brief - someone has to benefit from the sanctions of the Russians in Londongrad.
In the background, Irina’s match from Adrenaline I is playing on a flatscreen.
CROSS RECOBA
I don’t expect you to understand the ability to exploit a situation when it’s presented to you. I also don’t expect you to realize that we’re not too different, I didn’t come from money but I saw the ability to change. I seized every opportunity I could, made the most of every chance that came my way and that’s how I got to where I am.
Muting the commentary, Cross continues.
CROSS RECOBA
I realized that you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. My first appearance on the Network? I blindsided Jack Diamond and Bobby Barrett. My first match on a Network show? I made Joe Nobody relevant for enough time to come out with a win worth something. My first time in an XHF Network Match? I came sixth in a Rumble and spent well over two hours proving to people that I’m a threat. What did you do? You beat a man who can’t get on a show since. Ask yourself - if you’d lost that match, would you be sitting on the sidelines? Is it only the fact that you eventually won that keeps you relevant? If, and I’d heavily suggest this is the outcome, you lose when we face off at Adrenaline III - why will people care?
Cross leans forward, the ticking of the antique grandfather clock in the background the only noise to cut between his words.
CROSS RECOBA
You talk about winning the title and having a target on your back because of it but you’re missing the obvious. You’ve had one on you the minute you entered the tournament. I couldn’t be at the last show in person, I sent scouts because I know that every person in the competition could come up against me. You talked about the pressure making or breaking you but no-one followed up on your answer, they soft-balled you. Here’s what I want to know; if you’re already thinking about the pressure then what chance do you have of winning the title? What chance do you have when the bell rings and you realize that whilst size isn’t always the determining factor, you’re facing off against someone who thrives on the pressure, who seeks it out.
A quick smirk to the camera from the XHF Box Office precedes his next words.
CROSS RECOBA
I’m not here for the experience, I could quite happily run Tap Out and watch as the coffers fill with ticket sales, merchandise figures and advertising revenue. I could do that and, if I’m not mistaken, the market’s telling me I do extremely well out of it. I came to Infinite Pro because I knew my worth. I knew that when I sat down with Jason Long and his associates that I had name value and a track record that told them that I don’t have average matches. I don’t have write-ups that include phrases like ‘should have put them away earlier’, ‘missed an opportunity’ or ‘will learn from the experience’. I’ve cultivated an in-ring style where none of the moves I use are ever used because of desperation. That Bastard Driver against Reckless Jack? I’ve been waiting for months to use it in action.
A quick look in the reflection of the window tells Cross to pause the match. Leo Reza has just taken to the top turnbuckle, completely unaware of the gift he is about to give Irina.
CROSS RECOBA
I know that your Discus Elbow can turn off lights in the ring, that your offense is all about putting all of that concentrated power into each strike, slam, and suplex but you don’t train with someone like Chris Card and not pick up a few tricks to avoid, evade, and reverse the worst your opponent can bring. I know that you really want this and that you’re going to bring your best but all those statements? Empty platitudes. I intend to break you down and force you into a situation you didn’t want because I know that you haven’t thought about what happens when you fail. What happens when you realize that the wear and tear of the match has made it so your ability to lift deserts you when you most need it? What happens when you notice that your strikes aren’t landing how they should? At what moment do the sirens inside your head start to blare as you find yourself stripped of the tools to do the job?
Cross unpauses the action.
CROSS RECOBA
I’ve torn down giants and put away people who break necks. I’ve come out of the other side of wars with people who’ve held the X*Crown title and had my hand raised. For me, this match is what stands between myself and my shot at the IPW Openweight title and I’m ready and chomping at the bit for that bell to ring. That exclamation point you just left with the Curb Stomp? I’ll use one to put an end to your title aspirations!
